Hope for the future of pairs

July 27, 2011

LAKE PLACID — Last summer, Kloe Bautista and Tyler Harris skated at the Saturday Night Ice Show, and were anticipating their first season together. On July 23, the duo returned to skate in the show after a successful season of accomplishing some of their lofty goals.

“We were very happy to place in the top 10 at the National Championships,” Bautista said.

“Also, we consider it a huge accomplishment to make it to nationals at the Junior level in our first season together,” added Harris.

Both Bautista and Harris started skating at age 7, and soon found out that pairs skating held a special appeal for both of them. Bautista’s coach suggested she try pairs skating due to her ideal small frame for the sport.

Harris became a pairs skater after a growth spurt that made free style skating more difficult. He found he enjoyed skating with a partner more than singles skating.

“In my opinion, skating with a partner is much more fun than skating by yourself,” Harris said.

This turned out to be a good move for both of them. After only a season together, they met their goal of placing in the top 10 at nationals. Now they are looking forward to another successful season with new goals.

“One of our goals is to remain healthy with no injuries, since we had an injury at the beginning of the season,” Bautista said.

Another goal is to graduate to a higher level.

“We want to keep improving as well, and move to the Senior level soon,” Harris said.

The pair has a unique youthful exuberance that is present in their skating, and consider their performance and personas to set them apart from other teams.

“Our performance is what stands out the most in our skating,” Bautista said.

“As you’ll see during the show, our personalities are what makes us unique,” Harris said.

And what did Bautista and Harris think of skating at the Saturday Night Ice Show in Lake Placid?

“What I love the most about Lake Placid is the whole Olympic vibe,” Bautista said.

“The town is so friendly as well, and it was inspiring to be here during the Ironman race; I hope to compete in the race some day,” Harris said.

Many teams in pairs and ice dance have been retiring or splitting up this past year, and there was some concern about the future of these two disciplines. But with young up-and-comers like Bautista and Harris, there is hope.

Article Photos

Photo by Christie SausaKloe Bautista and Tyler Harris perform their routine July 23 at the Olympic Center in?Lake Placid.